Browse Advertising

'Atonement': Error-Borne Illness

Vanessa Redgrave's appearance reawakens the film, both because of the actress' exquisite ability with subtle emotion and a plot turn that reframes much of what you've just watched. For both the character and the filmmakers, atonement is achieved.

In a city where a great deal of attention is focused on national affairs, Washington City Paper maintains a relentless emphasis on local Washington. City Paper serves as the definitive local guide to cultural and civic life in the District...

See Also

Much of the critical response to the film adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel, Atonement, has focused on the film's epic scope and the intensely but tragically romantic story it tells. There has even been some comparison with James Cameron's Titanic.

More by Tricia Olszewski

Daniel Day-Lewis may normally choose parts in which he can do no wrong, but as the tormented film director in Rob Marshall’s musical, he doesn’t come close to drinking anyone’s milkshake. And since Guido is the essence of the story, that makes Nine a bright, shiny snooze.

The film's unfortunate veers are nicely countered with a bit of subversion in which Mark, to soothe his mother and then the rest of the world, makes up the ideas of heaven, hell, and a "man in the sky." Yes, folks: Here, God is a lie, and those who believe otherwise are portrayed as fools.

More by Washington City Paper

Daniel Day-Lewis may normally choose parts in which he can do no wrong, but as the tormented film director in Rob Marshall’s musical, he doesn’t come close to drinking anyone’s milkshake. And since Guido is the essence of the story, that makes Nine a bright, shiny snooze.

The film's unfortunate veers are nicely countered with a bit of subversion in which Mark, to soothe his mother and then the rest of the world, makes up the ideas of heaven, hell, and a "man in the sky." Yes, folks: Here, God is a lie, and those who believe otherwise are portrayed as fools.